For two patients to be rushed in for gas poisoning…The nurses, now well aware of what might have transpired, cast disgusted looks at the man in question.While Edward had rushed here in a panic, he was the one who only saved the mistress first when the accident happened. They didn't see the point of him pretending to be devoted now that his wife was still unconscious.That morning, Edward had taken leave from work and had waited outside the hospital room for an extended amount of time. He hadn't even gone to check on Sharon.Sharon eventually came looking for him. When Edward snapped out of his thoughts, he quickly helped her take a seat."How is May? It's all my fault. I passed out and didn't manage to wake her up." Sharon looked remorseful."It's not your fault. You're a victim, too," Edward said."Has the cause been investigated? Was there a gas leak?" she asked."No. They suspect that the flame went out while the gas stove was still on," Edward said, pressing his lips toge
"I'm seeing a side of her I never knew. She's vicious!" Edward stated.Hearing his furious rant, Sharon, who was sitting beside him with her head lowered, let a small smile flicker across her lips before quickly suppressing it.Although Edward had taken the whole day off, he returned to work by noon.Sharon remained at the hospital. Although she had regained consciousness, she still felt a little dizzy. Having hospital staff take care of her reassured Edward.Because of this incident, Edward was enveloped in a dark, brooding mood.Macie, driven by jealousy toward Sharon, had gone insane. She had caused a gas leak that could have killed all of them, even himself. She was nothing short of a terrorist!Nathan quickly noticed his boss' foul mood. Within an hour that afternoon, Edward had already lost his temper three times. Bracing himself, Nathan asked about it while retrieving some documents.While subordinates weren't supposed to pry into their boss' personal matters, knowing wha
"Miss, if anyone asks if I'm awake, just say that I woke up and fell asleep again," Macie said.The nurse looked at her and nodded despite thinking that Edward probably wouldn't ask.Macie was in a private hospital room. She lay in bed, staring blankly out the window.She wanted to leave and go far away from those two despicable people. She couldn't understand why they still had to torment her when she would be leaving in just three days.Only three days left. No, two.She could finally leave tomorrow.Macie closed her eyes. She had already packed everything. Now, she just wished time would pass faster.At noon, an unexpected visitor arrived.It was Nathan."Mrs. Fowler, how are you?" Nathan greeted. He brought a fruit basket with him. "Mr. Fowler asked me to check if you were awake."Macie remained expressionless and didn't feel like responding. The mere mention of Edward filled her with hatred."As long as you're okay, Mr. Fowler can rest easy. He's actually very worried a
Edward was deep in thought when a knock on the office door interrupted him. It was Nathan."Has she woken up?" Edward asked as soon as Nathan stepped in."Yes," Nathan replied. "I also spoke with the nurse about Mrs. Fowler's condition. She's recovering well and no longer needs oxygen, but she's still easily fatigued."Edward showed no reaction, his expression remaining cold and unreadable. He didn't show the slightest trace of relief or joy at the news. Nathan observed him for a few moments before turning to leave. But before he could step out, Edward spoke again."Find a place.""A place?" Nathan paused, puzzled."Decent environment, high security, private, and fully furnished." Edward listed his requirements succinctly. Nathan couldn't help but wonder if Edward was planning to move out with that mistress of his."Understood. I'll start looking," he responded, nodding.Just as he reached the door, Edward's voice came again."Did she say anything else?"Nathan halted, turn
Even if Macie had shown him the evidence, Edward would have defended Sharon. After all, love made one blind. Whatever Sharon did was correct in his eyes, while Macie was someone he loathed and wished dead.A bitter smile tugged at Macie's lips. Two years of devotion, and all she got in return was a death sentence from him.Meanwhile, Sharon had already taken a cab home and contacted a tech expert. She found that Edward's study computer was password-protected and tried entering her birthday.A second later, the device was unlocked. Her lips curled into a smug smile. Both Edward's computer and phone passwords were tied to her. If this wasn't love, what was?Sharon instructed the technician to erase the security footage. After the latter completed the task, she asked, "Is it completely wiped?""Relax. Even the cloud backup is gone," he assured her.Satisfied, Sharon let out a relieved hum. She thought, "Macie, you're as foolish as ever. You practically handed me this information. I
That night, as usual, Edward left work and went straight to accompany Sharon before returning home. Another day passed without him seeing Macie.He had attended a social gathering that evening and had a few drinks. Feeling discomfort in his stomach, he sat at the dining table, and a sudden image of Macie bringing him a bowl of hot soup flashed through his mind.She would always remind him to be careful and fuss over him like a nagging mother. If he scolded her, she would obediently stand aside, saying nothing.But as he came back to reality, the large house felt empty. There was no one else around. Edward frowned, realizing that he had been thinking about Macie a lot these past two days, which annoyed him.He got up to take some medicine and pour himself a glass of water, but something seemed missing. After a moment, he realized that Macie's mug was gone.He didn't dwell on it as it was just a cup. But when he went to the balcony to collect the laundry, he noticed that her bat
Sharon's eyes lit up with surprise, but she hesitated, feigning uncertainty. "This is the necklace you spent two hours choosing and paid a fortune for, just for May. It wouldn't be right for me to accept it."Edward's anger flared. Two hours and nine million dollars, yet Macie had dismissed it without a second thought, even throwing it aside. "She doesn't deserve it. Just take it," he said coolly before heading into the master bedroom and shutting the door.Sharon watched him leave. Then, a greedy and excited smile curled her lips. She had initially planned to make Macie return the necklace to Edward, but now, getting her hands on it had been effortless.Wasting no time, she put it on, sat in front of the vanity, and took photos under perfect lighting to highlight the dazzling rose-crowned design. Then, she posted them on her Instagram account.Inside the master bedroom, Edward lay in bed after washing up. He intended to sleep but found himself wide awake.His phone screen kept sw
"Impressive. You're still as strong as ever," Alice remarked over the video call.She asked, "Did you see the gossip piece I sent you? Why haven't you replied?"Macie hadn't responded yet when Alice suddenly remembered something. "Oh, right! You've been abroad for two years. You probably don't even know who Edward Fowler is."Macie lowered her gaze, remaining silent. How could she not know? She had been his housekeeper during that time."He was in our college too, but in the finance department while we studied digital media arts."Alice clucked her tongue before continuing, "I heard he broke up with his girlfriend in junior year. But who would've thought that they'd get back together four years later..." She continued rambling, speaking unclearly while brushing her teeth.Macie, not wanting to interrupt her friend's enthusiasm, turned the volume to its lowest setting. Alice was her college roommate and a close friend, but she had no idea that Macie and Edward had actually been
"So, what's this about, Mr. Atkins? Are you mad that I overstepped or mad that I ruined your chance to be a hero?" Palmer casually asked as he sat across Julian at the lunch table."That's not it—Macie's just my junior from college. Naturally, I'm going to side with her," Julian replied."Yeah? Did you ever stop to ask Macie what she wants?" Palmer shot back.He smirked, then added, "Mr. Atkins, you're going about chasing a woman all wrong. Some women might fall for that kind of thing—where you quietly fix all their problems, then show up cool and composed, expecting them to be grateful and fall for you."But it's obvious that Macie's not that type. She's ambitious, proud, and humble. She keeps a polite distance. You knew her in college—you should know that better than me."Julian fell silent, watching him.He had to admit that Palmer had a sharp eye for people. In just a few days, he'd sized Macie up perfectly.Palmer continued, "As someone who's been there, trust me—what Macie
Macie pressed her lips together. Most of her coworkers didn't know much about her background, and thanks to the rumors about her and Julian, coupled with the fact that a newcomer like her had been made an interim team lead, the jealousy burned deeper."I understand what you're saying, Mr. Stellan. I'll head over to HR first. I'll clear things up myself during the full department meeting tomorrow," Macie said.Palmer nodded and watched Macie leave. He thought about the rumors he'd heard—that Julian intended for her to take over his position eventually.Given her capabilities, Palmer thought Macie wouldn't have a problem being a team lead. As for the director role, it was obvious that Julian's personal feelings for her played a part.Still, Julian didn't even try to hide his true feelings at work. He openly took Macie out for meals, left the office with her after work, and even gave her an extra access card to the private elevator. How could she not end up being everyone's target?L
After finishing up most of the packing, Edward sat on the edge of the bed, zoning out. His mind drifted back to his high school days.He really did owe Sharon a debt of gratitude. If it hadn't been for her, he might not have pulled himself out of the grief after his mother passed away so abruptly. That was also why he had spent so long convincing and brainwashing himself that he loved and liked her.But once Edward and Sharon started dating, he realized that it wasn't love. It took him years to fully understand that, and by the time he did, he had already hurt Macie and missed his chance.He pressed his lips together as he thought of how Sharon had doubted him.Things had been good at the start. He didn't know exactly when it changed, but somewhere along the way, it did.Back then, it was Sharon who first sent him a friend request. The request included a verification message, an unsolved math puzzle he couldn't crack. So he accepted it, and they started talking.They talked about
Sharon finally understood. She had spent three years as a mere substitute. Edward had never truly loved her. He had loved that stranger he used to chat with in high school—the "online anonymous friend". Not her.That was why he was able to fall for Macie after only two years together. Because from the very beginning, the person he liked had never been Sharon.All her companionship in real life for three years couldn't even compare to the fleeting connection he had felt with a stranger online.The realization twisted something ugly and bitter inside her. Sharon clenched her teeth so hard it hurt, her eyes darkening with hatred.Inside, Edward had already walked through the door, missing the look of venom distorting her face outside.As he moved to close the door, something jammed it."Edward! You said yourself you never understood love properly. So how do you even know you love Macie? You used to hate her!" Sharon cried, pushing against the door. "And me, I dated you! I was your
20 minutes later, Edward arrived at his apartment complex. He dragged himself upstairs in a daze, his eyes unfocused, his whole body radiating defeat. He was so lost in thought that he didn't even notice someone crouching by his door.Out of pure muscle memory, he turned left toward his unit. The sound of his footsteps caught the person's attention. The figure suddenly lifted her head and ran toward him excitedly."Edward!" Sharon cried out as she threw herself at him, her voice already trembling with tears.Only then did Edward snap back to reality. When he realized who was clinging to him, he immediately shoved her away without a trace of mercy.If only the one holding him right now was Macie..."What are you doing here?" he demanded coldly."I came to find you!" Sharon said, tears spilling from her eyes. "Where have you been these past two days? Why didn't you come home?"She tried to get closer again, but Edward caught her wrist and pushed her back.Frowning, he realized th
"Macie never wanted anything from you. You didn't lose a thing. In fact, she spent two years taking care of you—cooking, cleaning, managing everything. And in just the past month alone, she's been hurt multiple times," Nathan said. "Looking at it objectively, it's clear that Macie suffered the most. You didn't lose half your fortune. So why are you still clinging to her so hard?"Edward stared Nathan down, furious. He wanted to snap back, to argue, but he had no ground to stand on. It felt like he was about to explode, but somehow, he swallowed it down.Indeed, Macie had spent two years washing his clothes, cooking his meals, and handling everything. He had never once given her money, not even for groceries. She had paid for it all herself without uttering a single word of complaint. And gifts? Forget it.He had even demanded that she stay invisible. He forbade her from appearing publicly or identifying herself as Edward's wife. He had never given her a title or anything.He fig
Edward had thought that he could stay away from Macie, and he thought he could finally stop hurting her.But whether it was out of love, possessiveness, or just plain male pride, Edward realized that he couldn't do it. He couldn't just hand over the woman he loved to another man.Macie had agreed to marry him back then. He hadn't forced her. Since she had chosen him once, she couldn't just walk away so easily. If she hated him, then so be it. But he wasn't letting the divorce happen."The 30-day cooling-off period. Find a way to void the agreement. This divorce isn't happening," Edward said coolly.Nathan immediately thought of the divorce agreement he had seen at the Fowler residence last week. He hesitated and said, "Usually, there are only two grounds for contesting a divorce—property division or custody disputes."You and Macie have no children. And as for property... she signed that she'd leave with nothing. Based on that, there's no legal ground to—"Nathan abruptly cut him
"You should get some rest, Mr. Fowler. I'll wake you at 2:00 pm," Nathan said."No need. Send me the slides for the afternoon meeting now," Edward replied."The meeting's not until 5:00 pm... There's still time..." Nathan started to say, but when he met Edward's cold gaze, he immediately shut up and obediently sent the files over.Nathan stole a glance at Edward's condition and couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.Especially considering how, all day, Edward hadn't once mentioned anything about Macie. But hadn't he found out which company Macie worked at over the weekend?Given how crazy he'd been last week—calling the cops and hiring hackers to track her address—how could he now seem so indifferent after just two days?Nathan hadn't been there Friday night. He thought that perhaps something had happened tghat he didn't know about. And why had Yosef suddenly assigned people to keep a close eye on Edward?Nathan's mind was full of questions, but he didn't dare ask. I
Macie didn't respond to Alice, but inwardly, she thought, "Be brave? I was brave once, but after that, I lost all my courage and was traumatized."Alice noticed Macie spacing out and asked, half-jokingly and somewhat suspiciously, "Damn. What's with that look? You've got that whole 'I've been through some shit' vibe going on. Don't tell me that you fell for someone while you were abroad?" Macie snapped back to reality and smiled. She said, "It's nothing like that. I was just thinking about what you said. You have a point."Alice huffed. "Of course! When you do get yourself a boyfriend, you had better call me in as your love guru! I'm also calling dibs on being your maid of honor!"Macie just smiled, not answering.After all, there hadn't even been a wedding when she married Edward. There was no ceremony or guests. It was almost like their marriage had never happened at all.…The weekend flew by in a blink. It was just like Yosef had said. No matter how deep Edward's heartbreak